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Crime News Update

February 27, 2019, 1:42 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Reputed gang member shot in the hand
An 18-year-old Gage Park man said by police to be a gang member was shot in the right hand as he drove his vehicle in the 4100 block of West 43rd Street at 2:31 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18. The victim told police that when he left his home, he noticed a black SUV following him. Later, when he was parked near 42nd and Keeler (waiting to pick up a relative from work), he saw the black SUV again. He heard gunshots, felt pain in his hand and sped away, but hit a parked vehicle. He bolted, ran through nearby yards and was spotted in the 4300 block of South Komensky by a 55-year-old man who had heard gunshots and walked outside to investigate. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was treated and released.


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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 815 or 821 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at St. Bruno School (south end, St. Joseph Room), 4839 S. Harding. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.



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Man charged with violating order of protection
Edward Wilcox


A 26-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with violating an order of protection when he was arrested on the street in the 5400 block of South Laramie at about 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15.

Edward Wilcox, of the 6500 block of South Campbell, was arrested without incident.

A CPD spokesman refused to say where the alleged violation occurred.

According to public records, Wilcox has been arrested six times by CPD since 2015 on charges that included domestic battery and unlawful use of a weapon.



‘Shots fired’ call leads to arrest of two men
Michael Hernandez



A 23-year-old West Lawn man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after police stopped his vehicle at 5:35 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 in front of 3231 W. 79th St.

Michael Vera Hernandez, of the 6000 block of South Kildare, was charged after police responding to a “shots fired” call reportedly found two handguns in the vehicle.

Also apprehended was 27-year-old Salvador Lagunas Parraguirre, of the 4300 block of West 78th Street. He was charged with reckless conduct.

Salvador Parraguirre


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Bust man for alleged threats at 7-Eleven

A 31-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with assault after he allegedly made
Jesse Cobbins
threatening statements to a person inside the 7-Eleven at 5953 W. 63rd St. at about 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15.

Jesse M. Cobbins, of the 6300 block of South Claremont, was apprehended at the scene.

A CPD spokesman did not say exactly what the threat was or who the victim was.

According to public records, Cobbins has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as criminal trespass to land, domestic battery and panhandling.




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Robbed of his Air Jordans at gunpoint
An 18-year-old Chicago Lawn man was robbed at gunpoint on a sidewalk in front of 3100 W. 83rd Place at about 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. The victim told police that he was at the location to meet a man he met on Facebook, who agreed to buy a pair of Air Jordans and a hoodie from him. But as he approached, the buyer pulled a gun and said, “Give me the stuff and get back in your car.” The victim handed over the merchandise (valued at a total of $450), and the gunman fled east through Hayes Park. He was described as a black man age 18-25, about 5-foot-11 and 130 pounds, with brown eyes and a dark complexion.

Robbed of his Air Jordans by Facebook ‘buyer’
A 19-year-old Chicago Lawn man was robbed at gunpoint on the street at 83rd and Francisco at about 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. The victim told police that he was at the site to sell his Nike Air Jordans to a man he met on Facebook. When he walked up, the buyer pulled a pistol and said,” It’s either you give me it, or I’m gonna lay you down.” The victim handed over the athletic shoes, and the robber ran away east on 83rd Street. He was described as a black man age 21-25, about 5-foot-11 and 155 pounds, with short black hair. He wore black clothing.


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Masked bandit robs cellphone store
A masked gunman robbed the Metro PCS store at 4846 S. Cicero at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, making off with $97 cash, as well as the wallet of a customer. The clerk, a 22-year-old South Shore woman, described the robber as a black man age 18-22, about 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.


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Burbank men busted in stolen vehicle
Edwin Avina



Two Burbank men were charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle after a traffic stop in front of 7524 S. Pulaski at 11:19 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18.

Edwin Avina, 18, and Irvin Roman, 22, both of the 8000 block of South Lamon, were taken into custody after police learned that the vehicle they were in had been reported stolen.





Irvin Roman

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Burglars hit restaurant on Archer
Burglars pried open the back door of El Basurero restaurant, 4781 S. Archer, and stole a laptop computer, a security system hard drive, a camera and about $2,000 cash. The crime was reported to police at 11:35 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 by the owner, a 39-year-old Pilsen man.


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Midway Dispensary provides life-saving ‘Alternative to Opioids’

March 3, 2019, 6:29 pm
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Southwest Side residents now have more alternatives to treat chronic health issues

By Mary Hadac
Staff reporter
Southwest Chicago Post

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, opioid deaths in the state increased thirteen percent from 2016 to 2017. But now, patients and doctors who once would have gone the route of opioids to treat chronic pain and other health conditions have more and better options.

Previous opioids users like Midway Dispensary patient Jeff B. have been able to find life-changing pain relief through making a complete switch to medical cannabis. Jeff was born and raised in Cicero and was a mechanic for 28 years. It wasn’t until 2010 that he began experiencing debilitating chronic pain.




“I was sitting at a restaurant with my wife and my mother, I was just sitting there having a beer when all the sudden...BAM, a pain just shot up my back,” he said. “I thought I could just walk around but I couldn’t so I just went home. I thought it was just going to be gall stones or something like that.”

The pain returned a few days later and Jeff was rushed to MacNeal Hospital. After two weeks of hospitals, doctor’s visits, and many tests he was diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his back. After an unsuccessful fusion surgery, Jeff went on medical disability and was prescribed Norco, a strong opioid pain reliever.

“I would get up in the morning and I would have the shakes,” he said. “I would have a burning pain down the left side of my leg. My back was in agony, it just hurt. So I would take a Norco and I would try, I would try desperately to be as normal as I possibly could be.”

“I had very bad symptoms like shaking. I was hunched over, I couldn’t walk right, constipation, everything. I walked with a cane before I had medical cannabis. I was in agony. When I had this I knew I was spiraling down a drain I could feel it. I really started getting depressed, suicidal. I told my wife I would go to rehab to get off these Norcos, but what would I do when I got out? I told her I don’t think I could live like this any longer.” 

 Jeff went through two more fusion surgeries, but they gave no relief to his debilitating pain. When the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program first started in Illinois, he was more than ready for an alternative to his prescriptions and wanted to try medical cannabis. “I went to my doctor, I have a pain doctor, and asked him to put me on medical marijuana and he says he can’t do it over here. So I went to my psychologist and he said good idea, can’t do it. So I went to my family doctor and he says I’m a great candidate.”

Midway Dispensary, being one of the first dispensaries to
open on the Southwest Side, had the experience and knowledge to suggest strains and dispensing methods that would work best for Jeff. “The employees, the ‘budmen’, they understand what you want fully,” he said. “They set me up with a few different strains, sativa, indica, CBD, and I started taking them. At that point I was still on two to three Norcos a day.”  

Now that Jeff had an alternative that worked and made him feel good, he was more than ready to come off the Norcos. Like any addictive drug, coming off Norco comes with withdrawal symptoms. Working with his doctor, he was able to navigate that transition safely over the course of several months. 

Getting caught up in the busyness of the holidays, Jeff missed his doctor’s appointment for his refill in December and ended up rationing the last of his Norco, and going off it completely almost a week before his January appointment. “I took my last Norco on December 30th and my appointment was the first Friday of the new year” he said. “I went in and told him what happened and he goes ‘You went five days without it? You’re cured you’re not going to use it (the Norco) anymore.’”

Starting in February of this year, millions more opioid users in Illinois now have faster and easier access to medical cannabis through the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program. 

The Opioid Alternative Pilot program gives any Illinois resident who is 21 or over, has previously been prescribed opioids, or has a health condition or disease for which opioids could be prescribed the option to talk with their physician to get certification for 90 days, which can be renewed. 

Once a patient receives their physician’s certification, they must complete their online registration within 30 days, which they can do themselves or they can contact their local dispensary for free application assistance. Upon completing the application, patients will be immediately notified of their approval and will be able to purchase medical cannabis that same day.

Patients registering through the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program will also have access to this expedited process, receiving a temporary ID the same day of approval. Illinois patients previously had to wait 30-90 days for their medical cannabis card to come in the mail before being able to purchase. Additionally, the state no longer requires fingerprints and background checks to gain access to the program.

“Now I can walk my dogs with ease, I can go for a mile walk, I can go out without worrying about tremendous pain, I can do my photography work, and I have a better attitude” said Jeff. “I’m not depressed, not suicidal, I think I’m a jollier person that I was before. You don’t have to live your life in an opioid fog, you don’t have to be dependent.”

For more information on this program and help with registration, visit the Midway Dispensary website or call them at (872) 267-7038.



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Cops warn of burglaries in West Lawn

March 3, 2019, 8:21 pm
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A recent cluster of residential burglaries in West Lawn has
promoted CPD to issue a community alert.

In all incidents the offenders “gained entry and took property,” the CPD alert read.

Crime scenes include:

• 6400 block of South Kenneth on February 8.
• 5800 block of South Kildare on February 8.
• 6400 block of South Kenneth on February 9.
• 6100 block of South Kolin on February 9.
• 6200 block of South Kolin on February 13.
• 5900 block of South Karlov on February 17.
• 6000 block of South Komensky on March 1.

In the wake of the crimes, police are advising everyone:

• Keep the perimeter of your property well lit.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.
• Keep doors and windows secured.
• Immediately repair any broken windows, doors or locks.
• If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the incident for investigating detectives.
• Make an agreement with your neighbors to watch each other's homes for suspicious activity.
• If you are a victim, do not touch anything. Call police immediately
• If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information.

Those with useful information to share are encouraged to call CPD Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8380 and mention crime pattern P19-1-070.






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White Sox outing set for seniors

March 5, 2019, 11:53 am
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If you're age 55 or older and enjoy rooting for the White Sox,
our friends at the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center have a deal for you.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 1 and buy your tickets ($54 each) soon, because space is limited.

Here's the plan:

• Arrive at the Center, 5674-B S. Archer, by 10:30 a.m. and board a chartered bus.

• Bus leaves the Center at 10:45 a.m.

• Arrive at Guaranteed Rate Field and enjoy a two-hour, all you can eat buffet (fried chicken, cajun chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, salads, beer, wine and soft drinks).

• White Sox bingo starts at noon, with a former Sox player calling the lucky numbers.

• Game starts at 1:10 p.m. Watch the South Siders take on the New York Mets!

• Bus leaves the field at about 4:15 p.m. to return to the Center.

• Your $54 ticket buys you round-trip bus transportation, admission to the park, bingo and buffet.

• For details on this outing, stop by the Center or call (312) 745-4255.


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A warm oasis in a cold winter

March 11, 2019, 2:21 pm
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La Michoacana Clearing enjoying success from the start

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Mid-winter is not a time associated with ice cream shop
openings, but Alma Torres and Beatriz Sahagun did exactly that with their new business in Clearing, less than a week after temperatures at Midway bottomed out at 23 degrees below zero.

Amazingly, not only did they enjoy immediate success at the new La Michoacana Clearing, 6058 W. 63rd St., but the ice cream shop seems to be seeing more customers every day, even as winter hangs on ‘til the end.

“I think what we’ve created here is a warm, welcoming place where people can come with their families and sit down in a relaxed, comfortable setting—and stay awhile, not feel rushed in any way,” Sahagun said. “People experience that, and word spreads quickly. Already, we have a lot of repeat customers.”

La Michoacana Clearing is located in what for decades what Touch of Class lounge, a nice place in its heyday, but which later was known as a late-night dive bar.

Today, the vacant lounge is nowhere in evidence. Torres and Sahagun gutted the interior and completely remodeled it—all new everything—giving the place a bright, clean, friendly feel.

The shop serves a wide array of frozen treats, including dairy-based and water-based ice cream, chocolate-covered bananas, yogurt loaded with fresh fruit and tasty toppings that can include various nuts, shredded coconut and candy.


Part of the extensive menu at La Michoacana Clearing

There is also a wide variety of cold and hot drinks, including Abuelita-brand hot chocolate.

The shop also serves sandwiches—chicken, turkey, ham, pork and vegetarian—as well as elotes, tamales and other favorites.

But what may truly set La Michoacana Clearing apart from other frozen treat shops is its lineup of crepes, available in dozens upon dozens of combinations.

First, crepe customers choose a filling: Nutella, peanut butter, whipped yogurt, strawberry jam or caramel sauce.

Second, they choose two of seven toppings: pecans, peanuts, almonds, oatmeal, granola, coconut and raisins.

Finally, they choose two of nine fruits: apple, strawberry, pineapple, banana, cantaloupe, grape, blueberry, mango and papaya.

La Michoacana Clearing appears to be attracting quite a
Beatriz Sahagun and Alma Torres
following from local schools—especially nearby Hale—with moms and dads and even a few grandparents bringing youngsters in for an after-school treat.

But the shop is also open on evenings and weekends and has a space suited for group meetings. It already has been enjoyed by a local athletic group and is open for Scout troops, Little League teams, birthday parties and more.

Both Torres and Sahagun live a bit east of the shop, in West Lawn. Both grew up in Little Village, where some of their best memories are of enjoying frozen treats from ice cream trucks or paletero pushcarts.

“We remember that, and we looked at this neighborhood (Clearing) and thought it could use a good, family-friendly ice cream shop,” Torres said with a smile. “We think we were right.”




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Crime News Update

March 14, 2019, 1:07 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Tied up and robbed in her own home
A West Elsdon woman told police that three home invaders tied her up and robbed her at gunpoint in her apartment in the 3600 block of West 53rd Street at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. The victim said she had just parked her car in her garage when three men walked in before she closed the overhead door. One of the men knocked her to the floor and tied her hands together with a plastic jump rope. She was ordered into her home, and she complied. The victim was then ordered to kneel on her living room carpet. She did, but then was knocked onto her stomach. The invaders ransacked her home and stole a cellphone, 10 designer purses, assorted jewelry, a pair of Givenchy boots and about $500 cash. The invaders were described as black men age 20-25, about 5-foot-10 wearing dark hoodies and pants.


* * *


Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beat 811 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.


* * *


Laundry manager hit by motorist
A manager of Archer and Central Coin Laundry, 5885 S. Archer, was listed in good condition at MacNeal Hospital after she was struck in the hip by the car of a motorist at the business’ parking lot. The crime occurred at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. The manager told police that she had approached the driver of the car to let her know that the parking was reserved for customers of the coin laundry. The motorist became combative, trying to back her vehicle into the victim, who jumped out of the way. The driver then shifted gears and the car lurched forward, striking the coin laundry manager, before speeding away on Archer. The car was described as a brown, four-door Volkswagen. Witnesses provided a plate number to police, who are investigating. The driver was described as a black woman age 40-45 with long black hair. The passenger was described as a black woman age 40-44, with short red/auburn hair.



Man charged with drug crimes
Alfonso Fierro



A 28-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with four felony drug counts involving cocaine and cannabis when he was arrested at his home in the 7900 block of South Kenneth at 8:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25.

Alfonso “Little A” Fierro was arrested by officers acting on a search warrant.

According to public records, Fierro has been arrested 11 times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as reckless conduct, unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, violation of parole by contacting a street gang member (three times), possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass to a vehicle.


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Clearing man busted on drug rap
Raymond Boyd


A 44-year-old Clearing man was charged with manufacture/delivery of cocaine after police searched his home in the 6000 block of West 63rd Place at 12:13 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. 

Raymond D. Boyd was apprehended by officers executing a search warrant.

A CPD official at a CAPS Beat 812 meeting on March 13 said that officers confiscated a large amount (2.5 kilos) of cocaine.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Boyd was convicted of a similar drug crime in 2012 and sentenced to six years in prison at the Dixon Correctional Center. He served three years and was paroled in 2015.


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Burbank man hit with DUI rap
Rafal Bryda



A 37-year-old Burbank man was charged with DUI after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of South Kostner at 7:49 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22.

Rafal Bryda, of the 8300 block of South Rutherford, also was ticketed for failure to stay in his lane and driving without insurance.







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Burglars get gun, ammo in home heist
Burglars broke into a home in the 6700 block of South Komensky and stole two pistols, a rifle, assorted ammunition and $360 cash. The crime was discovered at 9:26 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, when a home security company notified the victim, a 31-year-old man.

Barbershop burglarized
Burglars pried open the back door of Master Cutz barbershop, 3402 W. 79th St., and stole a microwave oven, an Xbox video game console, a TV and assorted barber tools and products. The crime was discovered by the shop’s manager, a 47-year-old Englewood man.


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Cash, clothes stolen from apartment
Burglars broke into an apartment in the 6400 block of West 64th Place and stole $890 cash, as well as a laundry hamper and baby clothes. The crime was discovered by the building maintenance man, a 24-year-old man, at 6:39 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26. Another tenant in the building told police she had heard the victim’s caged dog barking frantically at about 8:45 a.m., but tenant did not investigate or call police.

Snow blower and more stolen from garage
Burglars broke into a garage in the 5300 block of South Newcastle and stole a snow blower, a compressor and a power washer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old man, at 8:50 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28.


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Heater taken in garage burglary
Burglars entered a garage in the 4800 block of South La Crosse and stole a portable heater. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old man, at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Gardening tools stolen from shed
Burglars broke into a backyard shed in the 5300 block of South Melvina and stole assorted gardening tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 36-year-old man, at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26.


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Police investigate arson fire on Kilbourn
Police are investigating an apparent arson fire that destroyed the interior of a 2017 Nissan Rogue and damaged the front end of a 2007 Volvo parked next to it. The blaze occurred at 11:58 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 in the 5200 block of South Kilbourn. Both vehicles were parked on the street. The vehicle that was the apparent target belongs to a 42-year-old man who lives on the block. The other vehicle belongs to a 51-year-old Vittum Park woman. A neighbor told police she happened to be looking out her living room window at the time and saw a young man repeatedly lighting a lighter near the vehicle that went up in flames. After the vehicle went up, the man ran away through a nearby gangway.


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Ski instructor charged with punching policeman
A 21-year-old ski instructor from New Hampshire was charged with aggravated battery after he alleged punched a police officer in the chest during an incident that occurred at Midway Airport at 6:27 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26. Thomas J. Way of Keene, N.H. was allegedly intoxicated and not allowed to board a Southwest Airlines flight. As police attempted to get him to a CFD ambulance for medical care, Way reportedly threw a punch. He was arrested and taken to the Chicago Lawn (8th) District station for processing.






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Crime News Update

March 15, 2019, 12:30 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Man charged in Clearing slaying due in court early next month


Update on something we reported several months ago:
Gerardo Sanchez-Amador


April 2 is the next scheduled court appearance of the 22-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in the December 26, 2018 slaying of 38-year-old Brighton Park resident Francisco Mendoza Jr. in a home in the 5700 block of West 64th Place.

Gerardo Sanchez-Amador, of the 3700 block of West 78th Place, is currently held without bond by the Cook County Department of Corrections. He was arrested in Dallas in January as he was attempting to flee to Mexico, according to a CPD officer.

In the December attack, a 23-year-old woman was shot in the face. She was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where she was listed in serious condition. She was able to tell CPD details about the attack.



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Stabbed in hand during argument
A 47-year-old West Lawn man was stabbed in the hand at his home in the 3600 block of West 70th Street at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7. The victim told police that he had been engaged in an argument with his tenant over a missing video game console when another person stabbed him. The victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was treated and released. No one is in custody.



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If you live in and/or own a business in CPD Beat 811 (central and western Garfield Ridge),
please make plans to attend the next meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 7 p.m. Monday, March 18 at the headquarters of the Croatian Radio Club, 7036 West Archer. Stop by and participate in a discussion of crime in the area. Find out if the new camera mounted on a light pole at 53rd and Harlem is yielding results or not. Learn about the new Smart 911 phone app. It's always a good time to get active in the fight against crime. See you there?


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Men fail to rob gas station
Two men tried but failed to rob the BP gas station at 67th and Pulaski at 10:47 p.m. Monday, March 4. A 20-year-old clerk told police that one of the two men put his hand in his waistband (implying that he had a weapon) and said, “If you don’t give me some cigarettes, I’m going to smoke your a~~.” He then threw a punch at the clerk but missed. The other man threw several merchandise displays to the floor before both sped away in a gray Ford, south on Pulaski. They were described as Hispanic men age 25-30, about 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds. One had a “Jordan” tattoo on his neck.




Man charged with domestic battery
Rafael Rodriguez


A 27-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly “got into a physical altercation with a member of his household, while under the influence of alcohol,” according to a CPD spokesman, just after 12:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25.

Rafael Rodriguez, of the 6500 block of South Keating, was arrested at his home.

According to public records, Rodriguez was arrested near 55th and Damen last year and charged with DUI.



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Arrested for the sixth time in three years
Ulisses Delgado


A 22-year-old Gage Park man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, possession of paint with intent to deface and possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop at 4:50 p.m. Saturday, March 2 in front of 6700 W. Archer.

Ulisses C. Delgado, of the 5800 block of South Richmond, was in a vehicle that police said was driven erratically.

A search of the vehicle yielded a can of spray paint and a 9mm handgun, police said.

Also arrested was Berwyn resident Rogelio Bedolla, 20, of the 3700 block of South Maple. 

Bedolla was the driver of the vehicle. He was ticketed for several traffic offenses.
Rogelio Bedolla

Police did not say what the controlled substance was.

According to public records, Delgado has been arrested six times by CPD since 2016, on such charges as domestic battery, assault, criminal trespass to land and criminal defacement of property.










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Say man pointed gun at woman, threatened to kill her

A 28-year-old Englewood man was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and 
Michael Rodriguez
obstruction of traffic by a non-motorist after he was arrested at 9:32 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 on the street in front of 6030 W. 63rd Place.

Michael Rodriguez, of the 6100 block of South May, “was involved in a domestic verbal altercation [when] he displayed a handgun, pointed it in the victim's direction and threatened to kill her,” a CPD spokesman said. “[Rodriguez] refused to comply with police direction and fled on foot into traffic, causing vehicles to swerve to avoid collision. After a short foot pursuit, he was placed into custody.”

According to public records, Rodriguez has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as domestic battery, phone harassment and reckless conduct.



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Catalytic converter thieves hit Garfield Ridge

Catalytic converter thieves struck at least four times in a three-day period earlier this
month in the west end of Garfield Ridge.
• A 55-year-old man walked out to his 2011 Hyundai in front of his home in the 5500 block of South Newland at about 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 1 and noticed that the catalytic converter was missing.
• A 56-year-old woman walked out to her 2004 Chevy in front of her house in the 5700 block of South of Neenah at about 1 a.m. Saturday, March 2 and noticed that the catalytic converter had been stolen.
• A 70-year-old woman walked out to her 2004 Honda in front of her house in the 5100 block of South of Neenah at about 6:45 a.m. Saturday, March 2 and noticed that the catalytic converter had been stolen.
• A 55-year-old man walked out to his 2012 Ford in front of his home in the 5200 block of South of Nashville at about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, March 3 and noticed that the catalytic converter had been stolen.




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Stole nearly $5,000 from my home, woman says
Burglars kicked in the rear door of a home in the 3700 block of West 63rd Place and stole assorted jewelry and $4,800 cash. The crime was discovered by the daughter of the victim, a 52-year-old woman, at 3:13 p.m. Wednesday, March 6.





Diamond earrings and more taken in burglary
Burglars kicked in the door of an apartment in the 3800 block of West 63rd Street and stole an iPad, a PlayStation 4 video game console and a pair of diamond earrings. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 57-year-old woman, at about noon Wednesday, March 6.



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Burglars swipe cash, jewelry, laptops
Burglars pried open the back door of a home in the 3600 block of West 79th Place and stole two laptop computers, assorted jewelry and about $4,600 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 32-year-old woman, when she came home at 3:40 p.m. Monday, March 4.





Lawler Park field house burglarized
Burglars broke into the field house at Lawler Park, 5210 W. 64th St., and rummaged around but apparently did not steal anything. The crime was discovered by a Park District employee at about 10 a.m. Monday, March 4.

Thieves steal company truck, credit card after man’s heart attack
Hours after a 32-year-old Tinley Park man had a heart attack in a company truck and near 85th and Cicero and then was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center, the truck went missing. Theodore J. “Teddy” Ryan, a union carpenter, had been in a 2000 Chevy truck owned by Global Builders of Oak Brook before he was transported to the hospital via ambulance on Tuesday, March 5. When officers returned to the scene a second time at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, they found the truck back at the scene. Its steering column had been peeled. Further, it was discovered that a company credit card had been stolen and been used numerous times after Ryan’s death.



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Garfield Ridge Goes Green!

March 16, 2019, 12:07 pm
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Archer Avenue is 'Irish for a day'

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Garfield Ridge has once again gone green--if only for a day--as Archer Avenue was the scene of a merry, festive St. Patrick's Day parade.

The Clear-Ridge Men’s Social Athletic Club (SAC)'s parade stepped off at noon Saturday, March 16 at Archer and Oak Park, marched east on Archer to Narragansett and then south to the Kennedy High School parking lot. All under sunny skies.



Thanks to the men of the S.A.C., as well as the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 and everyone else who helped make the parade a fun, family-focused event.

Proceeds of the parade will benefit Misericordia, which since 1921 has provided care and a range of services to people with developmental disabilities.

The Southwest Chicago Post shot a few photos of the parade units; but as usual, we couldn't resist turning the camera around and focusing on the boys and girls, moms and dads at the curb--who in a way are the real stars of the event.

Here are a few shots we took (along with a few shot by our friends), in no particular order. Enjoy!
















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Search

Crime News Update

March 21, 2019, 7:06 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Woman robbed at knifepoint in med office waiting area
A 43-year-old Scottsdale woman was robbed at knifepoint as she sat in the waiting area of a medical office in the 6900 block of South Pulaski at 1:41 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. The victim, who speaks only Spanish, initially did not understand the robber, who spoke English. After he pulled a knife and put it to her stomach, he went through her pockets, stealing her cellphone and purse before fleeing. He was last seen running east on 69th Place. He was described as a white man age 30-35, about 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds. He wore a blue and gray sweatshirt.



* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 813 or 833 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at West Lawn Park, 4233 West 65th Street. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.




* * *



Cellphone buyer sprayed in face, robbed
A 36-year-old South Shore man was robbed as he tried to purchase an iPhone on a sidewalk in front of 7909 S. Whipple at 12:34 pm. Wednesday, March 13. The victim told police he met the seller through the LetGo website and had arranged to buy the phone at the designated location. When he arrived, the seller emerged from a gangway and demanded payment first. When the buyer refused, the seller sprayed a mace-like substance in his face, grabbed $300 cash and ran away. He was described as a black man age 20-23, about 5-foot-6 with brown eyes and a medium complexion. He wore a black and white hoody with a red design, black and white sweatpants, gray socks and flip-flops. The victim’s eyes were burning, but he refused medical care.






Washes her clothes, then robbed at knifepoint
A 52-year-old Archer Heights woman was robbed at knifepoint as she walked out of a coin laundry in the 4500 block of South Pulaski at 10:24 p.m. Sunday, March 10. The victim told police that she and a 19-year-old relative were loading their vehicle when a man approached and, in Spanish, ordered her to hand over her purse. When the victim refused, the bandit pulled a knife and pressed it against her side. She handed over the purse. When the 19-year-old woman ran after the robber and attempted to get the purse back, the offender threatened her, saying, “Imma cut you, b~tch.” The robber then jumped into a black vehicle and sped away west on 46th Street. He was described as a Hispanic man age 40-45, about 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, with a light complexion. He wore a dark green hoody under a black jacket, dark blue sweatpants and a white baseball cap. The victim’s purse contained a cellphone, $80 cash and a Matricula ID, among other items.



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Elderly pizza driver robbed at gunpoint
A 77-year-old man delivering food for Giordano’s pizza was robbed at gunpoint as he attempted to make a delivery to a home in the 4400 block of South Leclaire at 8:20 p.m. Saturday, March 9. The victim told police that as he walked with the food, a man emerged from a gangway, pointed a pistol at him and said, “Give me the money or I’ll f~cking kill you.” The victim handed over his wallet (which contained $80 cash and a debit card, among other items), and the bandit ran away east. He was described as a black man age 20-25, about 5-foot-11 and 150 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore a black hoody and black sweatpants.

Young pizza driver robbed at gunpoint
A 21-year-old man delivering food for Giordano’s pizza was robbed at gunpoint as he attempted to make a delivery to a home in the 4400 block of South Leclaire at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, March 10. The victim told police that as he stood in a gangway to make a delivery to a side door, a man accosted him with a revolver, saying, “I’m going to kill you.” The gunman then took the pizza and soda from the driver and ran away. The victim relocated to 45th and Cicero, where he called police. The robber was described as a black man age 20-25, about 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, with black hair in an Afro and a dark complexion. He wore a red, white and blue jacket and blue sweatpants.



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Gangbanger robs men near Groucho’s
A 34-year-old Chicago Lawn man and a 35-year-old Brighton Park man were robbed at gunpoint as they sat in an SUV parked in a lot adjacent to Groucho’s lounge, 8355 S. Pulaski, at about 3 a.m. Monday, March 11. The victims told police that a man walked up, pulled a handgun and said, “Hey, motherf~cker, I’m a [Latin] King. What are you?” The victims replied that they are not gang members, but the gunman refused to believe them. He said, “Give me your wallets, money and phones. Give me everything or I’ll kill you.” The victims handed over two wallets and a cellphone. The bandit then ran away east on 84th Street. He was described as a Hispanic man age 30-35, about 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds with a light complexion. He wore an orange jumpsuit, a black skullcap and had a black scarf around his face. Police later detected the victim’s cellphone pinging at 64th and California but were unable to locate the offender.




Beauty salon robbed by bandit with knife
A man with a knife robbed the Beauty 2000 salon, 4306 W. 63rd St., at 6:15 p.m. Friday, March 8. The salon’s owner, a 54-year-old Burbank woman, told police that the bandit pulled a small knife and asked her where she keeps the money. She told him and them complied with his demand that she lock herself in the bathroom. Later, when she emerged from the bathroom, she saw that the robber was gone and that about $150 cash was missing. The bandit was described as a Hispanic man age 30-39, about 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, with a light complexion. He wore a brown jacket with baggy pants.




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Man charged with hitting policeman

A 32-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with aggravated battery after he allegedly
Jose Aviles
scuffled with a police officer in a parking lot at 4550 W. 57th St. at 8:13 a.m. Sunday, March 10.

Jose C. Aviles, of the same block, also was charged with DUI. Police had been summoned to the site by Aviles’ girlfriend, who reported a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they reportedly found Aviles behind the wheel of a vehicle, its engine running. Aviles allegedly became combative and threatened to beat up the investigating officer. He reportedly refused an order to exit the vehicle and started to make a phone call to summon a friend to come over and beat up the officer.

When the policeman reached in the vehicle to confiscate the phone, Aviles allegedly grabbed the officer’s protective vest and punched him several times. Other police units arrived, and Aviles was taken into custody.



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Police bust two on drug-related offenses
Petrulias Paul



A 49-year-old Clearing man was charged with possession of controlled substances after he “was observed in a hand-to-hand narcotic transaction and then fled from police,” a CPD spokesman said.

Petrulias A. Paul, of the 6000 block of South Meade, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Monday, March 11 on the same block.

Arrested at the same time was Ronald Jennings, 27, of the 7700 block of South East End Avenue.

He was charged with four felony counts relating to narcotics.
Ronald Jennings


Jennings was arrested in the 6000 block of West 63rd Street. Police said they recovered “various amounts of narcotics” from him, although they declined to say exactly what.











Man blames ‘Mexican gangs’ for gun possession
Torrance Coats


A 20-year-old West Side man was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and unlawful possession of ammunition after he was arrested on the street in the 5100 block of West 48th Street at 10:17 a.m. Thursday, March 14.

Torrance Dante Coats, of the 3500 block of West Carroll, was apprehended after police on patrol reportedly spotted him jaywalking.

When they stopped him to speak with him, officers said they noticed a large bulge in his jacket. They searched him and recovered a .38 caliber revolver with six live rounds. Torrance reportedly explained the weapon by telling officers that he needed it because “Mexican gangs” were after him.




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Barking dog may have frightened burglars
Burglars broke into a home in the 7800 block of South Sawyer and stole a tablet computer and a small bag containing assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 59-year-old woman, at about 9 p.m. Thursday, March 14. The victim told police that only one room in the house had been ransacked, and she believed her barking dog may have prevented them from searching other rooms.



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Burglars vandalize apartment with bleach
Burglars broke into an apartment in the 4900 block of South Millard and stole an Xbox video game console and a TV. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 24-year-old woman, at about 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14. The victim told police that the offenders have vandalized the apartment by pouring bleach all over. The crime may have been interrupted, since the burglars had removed a second TV from a wall but left it in the apartment.



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Owner says relative burglarized his store
A store at 4635 W. 63rd St. was burglarized, and the owner told police that the offender is a relative. Police responding to a burglar alarm just after 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9 were contacted by the business owner, who said the burglar was inside. When police arrived, the offender was not on the premises, but security camera footage reportedly showed him stealing a jug full of coins (worth an estimated $250) and fleeing out the back door. The relative, a 29-year-old Burbank man, has not been apprehended.



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Bust man on shoplifting rap at liquor store
Arnell Nettles



A 31-year-old man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from Archer Liquors, 5996 S. Archer, at 9:39 p.m. Saturday, March 9.

Arnell M. Nettles, who police say is from downstate Charleston, was apprehended at the scene.

They did not say what Nettles allegedly stole. According to public records, Nettles has been arrested five times by CPD since 2017, on charges that includes retail theft (four times) and assault.









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Going Once, Going Twice...

March 22, 2019, 4:50 pm
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Properties may be sold at auction if taxes not paid soon 

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Hundreds of Southwest Side properties are at risk of being sold at auction in May, unless their back taxes are paid.

Lists released last week by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas show that the large majority of the properties are residential—but there are a handful of noteworthy business properties that are said to be in arrears.

Perhaps most striking is the Cicero Hotel (formerly
Sportsman’s Inn), 4501 South Cicero, which reportedly is more than $207,000 behind in taxes and interest.

Once a seedy motel scorned by local civic leaders and hauled into court by local aldermen, the Cicero Hotel (under new ownership) has been undergoing a slow-moving renovation for several years and now boasts a selection of rehabbed rooms with all new beds and other furniture.

A message left for the hotel’s owner was not returned.

Other Southwest Side properties reportedly behind in taxes include:

• 6806, 6810 and 6812 W. Archer, which together are said to be more than $15,000 in the hole. The first was until recently home to A Cup of Joe coffee shop. The other two are the storefront home of the VDSA private security and detective agency. The properties’ owners are listed as two members of the Shubert family (the A Cup of Joe storefront is the former decades-long home of Shubert Draperies).




• Two blocks west, the property at 7023 West Archer is listed as more than $5,500 behind. The owner is Andrzej Korniejczuk, and the address is home to Halina’s Pub.

• Four connected properties, 5842-8 West 63rd St., appear to be more than $10,000 behind in taxes, in sum. The owner is Hickory Hills resident Jerome McDonald, according to Pappas’ list. In recent years, the site was home to Nu-Way Cleaners.

• Ten connected properties, 5932-56 S. Central, about $18,000 delinquent, all told, owned by an LLC with unnamed owners.

• The Acero Marquez School, 47th and Francisco, more than $90,000 delinquent.

• Four storefront properties—4622-30 S. Cicero, owned by S. Sheikh of suburban Lemont—which together are more than $3,800 in the hole.

In all, some 57,000 property owners across Cook County owe nearly $190 million in delinquent taxes, according to Pappas. Those properties may be auctioned at the annual tax sale that begins May 3.

Lists of all the properties, by suburban municipality and city ward, are published on the Cook County Treasurer's website.

“I am asking religious leaders, community groups and elected officials to use these lists to see if they know any of these homeowners with delinquent taxes and alert them about the Tax Sale,” Pappas said. “With their help, we will get many homes off the Tax Sale list.”

Among the properties with delinquent taxes:

•Nearly 21,000 owners may be unaware of the Tax Sale because the U.S. Postal Service has returned their bills and subsequent notices.
•About 22,000 owe $1,000 or less.
•More than 2,000 homes are probably owned by senior citizens.
•As many as 900 seniors would see their homes removed from the Tax Sale if they applied for property tax exemptions they qualify for.

Homeowners can avoid the Tax Sale by paying all delinquent taxes and interest before the sale begins. To see if your taxes are delinquent—and to make a payment—visit cookcountytreasurer.com and select “Avoid the Tax Sale.” 

Reaction from Southwest Side homeowners quizzed at the West Lawn Branch Library was a mix of surprise and anger.

“This is amazing,” said Estela Reyes. “If you had asked me how many are behind on their property taxes (countywide), I would have said a thousand or so. But 57,000? Unreal.”

Ryszard Markowski said the list “makes me angry. I always pay my taxes on time, every year. Why do these deadbeats get away with it?”

Sheila Brown said she understands why some homeowners fall behind on their taxes “because when you have to put food on the table, sometimes tax bills have to wait. But I look at that figure ($190 million) and I wonder how many things in government don’t get funded because of that.”


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Spring storms bring perils, homeowners warned

March 23, 2019, 1:58 pm
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Local man serves as homeowners’ advocate

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

The sometimes-sudden, severe storms springtime brings to the Southwest Side can leave quite a bit in their wake: downed trees and power lines, damaged roofs and fast-talking quick-fix guys who seem to come out of nowhere.

“You have to be really careful, but perhaps especially senior
citizens,” said CPD Officer Ray Tracy said at a CAPS Beat 811 meeting last week. “This is the time of year when these con artists really come out. Be careful who you open your door for.”

Tracy described a situation where a 92-year-old Garfield Ridge man heard his doorbell ring. He answered it and found a man asking him if he was aware that he had roof damage. The elderly homeowner stepped outside and walked around the side of his house with the man, to have a better look and talk about what repairs might costs.

A few minutes later, the senior citizen noticed that accomplices had slipped into his house and stolen and envelope with about $3,000 cash inside. The victim chased the thieves to their pickup and grabbed the door as it started to speed away. He was dragged a short distance before he let go.  

The elderly man was banged up, but is recovering.

Other dangers

Another peril that some homeowners face is dealing with insurance companies when they file claims relating to storm damage.

“That storm we had [in May of 2018], where it was like a mini-
tornado and it was even knocking down trees…I could see that my window frames were damaged [from the storm’s wind-blown hail],” said Sue Sarafin, a senior citizen who has owned a home near 57th and Oak Park for about 35 years.
So she called her insurance agent and started the claims process. “They sent somebody out, and he looked at the damage; but then later I learned that all they would pay was for a few replacement screens.”

She was dissatisfied, to say the least.

“You pay your [insurance] premiums for years and years, and then this happens? They only give you this small amount? That doesn’t make sense.”

On the advice of others, she then called Geno Randazzo of
All Exterior Contractors—licensed, bonded, insured and a
member of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce—a Southwest Side native building a home repair expert in the area.

He also has been visible in the community over the last several years, helping sponsor drives to assist military veterans, local school children and Thanksgiving dinners for senior citizens.

What sets Randazzo apart from others is that he also serves as a public claims adjuster—a licensed professional who can and has gotten insurance companies to pay what they should pay homeowners.

Randazzo “came out and looked at my home and garage, and he pointed out storm damage that I myself had not seen,” Sarafin said. There was damage to the roof my garage, and there was [hail damage] on my gutters, downspouts, awnings and siding.”

She consented to having Randazzo represent her, and he
got to work filing a new claim. After a lot of back and forth over the next several months, the insurance company that had been willing to pay only $2,900 changed course and agreed to pay more than $15,000 for storm damage to her home.

Sarafin said she is “completely satisfied with what Geno did with the insurance company, as well as the quality of the work his company did in repairing my house and garage. I would recommend him to everyone; and the next time a severe storm comes through, I’ll call Geno first.”

“Just about everybody likes their local insurance agent—it
may be a friend, a relative, an old classmate—but all too often, it’s a different story when people have to deal with the big insurance companies,” Randazzo said. “Keep in mind, that big insurance company you’ve been paying premiums to for years and years does not represent you. They represent themselves. Mrs. Sarafin’s story is familiar—a homeowner with thousands of dollars in storm damage, but an insurance company that pays only a few hundred. All too often, people get short-changed; and since they didn’t know their rights, they didn’t know what to do.”

“What I tell people is, call me first at (708) 705-7900—before you call your insurance agent, before you contact your insurance company to make a claim,” Randazzo added. “I will show you how I will work on your behalf, representing you, to get what you deserve.”

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Crime News Update

March 28, 2019, 2:40 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Reputed gang member shot while driving
A 37-year-old man—said by a law enforcement source to be a gang member--was shot in the back as he drove his vehicle in the 5800 block of South Hamlin just after 3 a.m. Thursday, March 24. He was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. He said he was unable to provide police with a description of the shooter or the vehicle he fired from.



* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 815 or 821 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at St. Bruno School (south end, St. Joseph Room), 4839 S. Harding. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.




* * *

Shot three times on driveway in drive-by
A 43-year-old man was shot three times as he stood in the drive way of a home in the 8000 block of South Knox at about 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 23. The victim told police that a maroon sedan pulled up and someone inside began firing at him, hitting him twice in the left armpit and once in the chest. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.






Shot me with a BB gun during spat, woman says
Samuel Vazzana


A 33-year-old Clearing man was charged with domestic battery and aggravated assault after he allegedly used a BB gun to shoot a 29-year-old woman in the lower body, during an argument at a home in the 6700 block of West 63rd Place.

Samuel S. Vazzana, of the same block, was arrested at his home at 9:38 p.m. Saturday, March 16.

According to public records, Vazzana has been arrested three times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included domestic battery (twice) and possession of a controlled substance.



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Cellphone buyer pepper sprayed, robbed
A 42-year-old Chicago Ridge man was pepper-sprayed and robbed in an alley near 79th and Whipple at 3:10 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The victim told police he was at the site to purchase a cellphone from a man he met on the OfferUp app. When the seller asked to see his cash and the victim complied, the seller sprayed the victim in the face, snatched the cash and ran away. He was described as a black man age 18-20, and 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and a dark complexion. He wore a gray hoody.






Pregnant woman accosted by boyfriend at McDonald’s
A 22-year-old woman who is eight months pregnant was accosted by her boyfriend as she worked at her job at the McDonald’s at 6720 W. Archer at 8:49 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The victim told police that her boyfriend, an 18-year-old Brighton Park man, walked into the restaurant and started arguing with her. When she told him to leave, he walked behind the counter and pulled her hair. He then fled the restaurant. The victim told police that her boyfriend is a gang member who has beaten her with a handgun in the past. He remains at large.



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Man charged with weapons, drug violations
Gilberto Diaz



A 27-year-old West Lawn man was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and narcotics possession after police reportedly found a handgun and a bag with a small amount of cocaine in his pickup truck.

Police responding to a call of two men drinking alcohol in the truck—parked in the 6300 block of South Kilbourn at 10:21 p.m. Wednesday, March 20—spotted Gilberto Diaz, of the 6200 block of South Karlov, in the truck with another man.

Diaz was taken into custody after police searched the vehicle.



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Burglars smash pickup truck window
Burglars smashed the rear window of a pickup truck parked on the street in the 5000 block of South La Crosse and stole a garage door opener inside. They then used the remote to open the garage door and stole assorted tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 45-year-old man, at about 3 a.m. Thursday, March 21.





Teen girl pushed to the ground, robbed
A 17-year-old West Lawn girl was pushed to the ground and robbed of her cellphone as she walked down a sidewalk in the 7100 block of South Ridgeway at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. The victim told police that a boy or man emerged from a gangway at 7136 S. Ridgeway just before he committed the crime. He fled in a gray vehicle with a dent on the passenger side. It had been parked in a nearby alley. The offender was described only as a black boy or man, hair in dreadlocks, wearing a red jacket and blue jeans. The victim’s knee was scraped from the fall, but she declined medical aid.




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Charge man with threatening cops

A 46-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly
Michael Slivka
threatened two police officers at his home in the 4900 block of South Knox at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 20.

Police responding to a call of a domestic disturbance said they found Michael Slivka on his front porch.

He allegedly approached an officer in a hostile manner, ripping off his shirt and saying, “I will kick your f~cking ass.” When a second officer warned Slivka that they would taser him if he persisted, he allegedly said, “I’ll kick your ass, too.”

Officers then tasered him twice before Slivka was apprehended. He was transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where medical staff removed the taser prongs from Slivka’s chest and stomach area.



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Bust three in Ford City Mall scuffle


Three people were arrested at Ford City Mall at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16 after they reportedly scuffled with security
Jacolby Coolidge
staff. Jacolby M. Coolidge, 24, of the 9000 block of South Justine; Chakuria D. Taylor, 21, of the 2400 block of West 62nd Street; and Lanasha S. Walker, 31, of the 8300 block of South Marshfield, were taken into custody in the mall.


Security officers at the mall told police that the dustup started when they asked Coolidge to remove his hoody. The mall has a “no hoody” policy.

Coolidge allegedly refused and was told he had to leave. When security staff tried to force him to leave, he allegedly became combative.

During the ensuing scuffle, Taylor and Walker allegedly jumped in, trying to help Coolidge. 

All were charged with misdemeanor battery. Coolidge also was charged with criminal
Lanasha Walker
trespass to land and assault after he allegedly threatened to return with a gun and “shoot up the mall.”

According to public records, Coolidge has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He also has served time in state penitentiaries--twice on weapons convictions and once on a heroin-related conviction. 









Chakuria Taylor

Nothing missing in 60th Street heist
Burglars broke into a home in the 6200 block of West 60th Street, but apparently did not steal anything. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 61-year-old man, as he and his wife returned home after shopping, at about 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16.



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Crime News Update

April 7, 2019, 6:21 pm
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Beaten by gangbangers, man says
A 22-year-old West Lawn man was beaten and robbed as he walked down a sidewalk neat 67th and Kildare at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. The victim, interviewed by police at Little Company of Mary Hospital, said three men approached, hollered gang slogans and hit him in the face with a baseball bat. They stole his cellphone and wallet, which he said contained $120 cash and other items. The offenders sped away north on Kildare in a brown, two-door pickup truck. They were described only as Hispanic men about age 21, 5-foot-6 tall.


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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 813 or 833 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at West Lawn Park, 4233 West 65th Street. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.




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Shot at while in his car in alley
A 23-year-old Hearst area man was shot at as he sat in his car as it was parked in an alley behind 4458 S. Knox at 12:07 a.m. Thursday, March 28. Police responding to a ShotSpotter report of seven shots fired, police encountered the victim, who said he was in his car when the shooting occurred. When he heard shots, he ducked down and therefore did not see the shooter. His car had bullet holes in the front and rear windows, as well as damage to the roof. A witness told police that a white Cadillac sedan was seen speeding away from the scene after shots were fired. Police recovered shell casings from the alley.




Charged with trying to run down another man
Cristian Cabrera



A 20-year-old West Lawn man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly tried to use a vehicle he was driving to run over another 20-year-old man on the street near 70th and Lawndale.

Cristian O. Cabrera, of the 6200 block of South Karlov, was arrested at the scene at 5:47 p.m. Friday, March 22 by police who said they witnessed it.

Also arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault was 28-year-old Josue Gurrola, of the 7200 block of South Millard, who allegedly waved a gun at one of the two 20-year-olds. Police did not elaborate.
Josue Gurrola


According to public records, Cabrera has been arrested four times by CPD since 2017, on charged that included domestic battery, aggravated assault and criminal trespass to a vehicle.











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Arrest man who allegedly punched woman in face
Jose Quiroz



A 25-year-old Clearing man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly punched a 25-year-old woman in the face, repeatedly, at about 10:53 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at his home in the 6200 block of South McVicker.

Jose Quiroz was arrested without incident, said a CPD spokesman, who added that the victim suffered bruising and swelling on her face.

According to public records, Quiroz was arrested by CPD in 2015 near 62nd and Austin and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member.


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Bust man on weapons, stolen car charges
Enrique Rodriguez



An 18-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident after he was arrested in the 4600 block of West 79th Street at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20.

Enrique E. Rodriguez, of the 7700 block of South Karlov, allegedly “crashed a stolen vehicle he was driving and then fled,” a CPD spokesman said. “Officers also recovered a firearm from the vehicle that [Rodriguez] was driving.”




Barking dog have saved the day
A barking dog may have interrupted a burglary at a home in the 3700 block of West 62nd Street at 6:17 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The victim, a 56-year-old man, told police that his sons were home at the time of the crime and heard someone trying to pry open the front door. At some point, the would-be home invader gave up and left, possibly deterred by the family dog, which was barking. No entry was made, but the door and frame were damaged. There was no description of the suspect.




Claim man swiped wine from garage

A 51-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with burglary after he allegedly entered a
Charles Burnett
garage in the 3500 block of West 62nd Place and stole two bottles of wine from a refrigerator.

Charles Burnett, of the 6300 block of South Claremont, was apprehended by police scouring the area after the crime was reported by the victim, a 45-year-old woman, at 8:37 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Burnett was transported back to the garage, where he was positively identified by the victim, police said.

The victim said she walked out to her garage after a burglar alarm was triggered. She said she saw Burnett taking items from a refrigerator; and frightened, she told Burnett to take what he wanted an leave. The two bottles of wine were recovered, police added. According to public records, Burnett has been arrested four times before by CPD, since 2014, on various charges.



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Unlocked garage is scene of burglary
Burglars entered an unlocked garage in the 3700 block of West 61st Street, entered an unlocked vehicle inside and stole a pair of subwoofers. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 50-year-old man, at about 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 26.

Compressor, bike stolen from garage
Burglars forced open the door of a garage in the 3800 block of West 61st Place and stole an air compressor and a bicycle. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old man, at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 26.




Woman reportedly threatens Water Dept. workers
Two employees of the Chicago Department of Water Management told police that a woman threatened them as they worked in the 8000 block of South Tripp at about 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 25. The workers said that a woman came out of a house and demanded that they move their truck. When they replied that they would when they were finished, the woman reportedly hollered, “Move the f~cking truck or I’m going to get my gun!” When police arrived and knocked on the door of the home, a woman inside reportedly hollered, “Get your asses off my f~cking porch!” Police then left, advising the city workers to call again, if necessary.



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Zacatacos hit by burglars
Burglars forced open the rear door of Zacatacos, 3949 W. 71st St., and stole more than $900 cash. The crime was discovered by police responding to a burglar alarm at 1:58 a.m. Monday, March 25.


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Burglar uses brick to smash way into liquor store
A burglar used a brick to smash the glass in the front doors of Gee-Jay Liquors, 8550 S. Pulaski, enter and steal an unknown amount of cash and liquors. Surveillance video showed the burglar using a screwdriver to pry open three cash registers. The crime occurred at 6:04 a.m. Saturday, March 23. The burglar was described only as a white man age 40-50, wearing a brown jacket.


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Robbed while walking their dog
Two West Lawn teenagers walking their dog were robbed at gunpoint on a sidewalk in the 7200 block of South Ridgeway at 4:50 p.m. Saturday, March 23. The victims, ages 18 and 15, told police that a man walked up to them and demanded valuables. When they said they had none, he pulled a gun and started to search them. He grabbed their cellphones and $10 cash before running away. He was described as a black man age 18-22, about 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion.




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Kennedy Hosting Water Polo Camp

April 10, 2019, 10:57 am
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Looking for an athletic opportunity for your son or daughter in grade school?

Kennedy High School, 56th and Narragansett, is hosting a water polo camp from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. each day, and camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

Admission is free, and the camp will be led by Kennedy coaches and student athletes.

The camp will include strength and endurance exercises, passing and shooting drills, ball-handling drills, 6-on-5 drills (offense and defense), and teamwork and communication exercises.

Parents must be on hand on the first day, to fill out waiver forms--so early arrival is necessary. Parents are also welcome to stick around and watch from the balcony.

For details, contact Coach Anthony Macias at amacias49@cps.edu.



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Learn how you, as a homeowner, may save hundreds, thousands of dollars

April 16, 2019, 3:47 pm
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Riordan, Randazzo offer simple advice at free reception


Information and advice that may save you hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars will be offered—at no charge—at a coffee-and-doughnuts reception set for Saturday, April 27 at the Rhine VFW Post 2729, 5858 S. Archer.

“What you need to know, when you need to know” is an
Mike Riordan
event hosted by Mike Riordan of Riordan Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the presentation starts at 10 a.m. With questions and answers, the event will conclude no later than 11:30.

“I’ve lost count of how many homeowners I’ve met—all good people—who pay their insurance premiums on time, every time but then lose thousands of dollars because they don’t know what to do or how to deal with their insurance company
when a storm or some other event causes damage to their home or garage,” Randazzo said. “A lot of homeowners will say they have a good insurance policy, but when the time comes to rely upon it, they get whacked by high deductibles and exclusions they weren’t aware of.

“Fortunately, one of the Chicago area’s most experienced and trusted insurance professionals—Mike Riordan—has teamed up with my company to bring basic, easy-to-understand information to everyone, for free,” Randazzo continued.

Riordan, a State Farm Insurance agent since 1987, is headquartered at 6538 W. Archer, in the heart of Garfield Ridge.

“I’m pleased to be partnering with All Exterior Contractors—a
reputable, respected company that is known for its expertise in home repairs and remodeling,” Riordan said. “All Exterior—like my agency--is also known for its support of our community’s chamber of commerce, veterans organizations, senior citizens clubs, schools, Little League, churches and more,” Riordan said.

No reservations are required, and all are welcome to the “What you need to know, when you need to know” event.

Those attending are welcome to bring copies of their current insurance policies, as there will be time for individual consultations.

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Free roofs for deserving active-duty military, veterans, first responders

April 18, 2019, 11:00 pm
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‘Roofs 4 Heroes’ initiative launched by business leaders

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

An alliance of local business leaders is reaching out to assist
needy active-duty military members, honorably discharged veterans and civilian first responders by providing a free roof for their home.

The “Roofs 4 Heroes” initiative was launched earlier this month by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, in partnership with Beacon Roofing Supply, Tamko Building Products, the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce and State Farm Insurance agent Mike Riordan.

“Home ownership is part of the American Dream, and that dream is made possible through the bravery of our men and women in uniform,” Randazzo said. “But that dream can turn into a nightmare for veterans and others in need, when they don’t have the security of a good roof over their heads.”

Now through May 19, nominations will be accepted for active-duty military members, veterans and first responders in need.

A blue-ribbon committee will review all nominations, and two winners will be announced on Memorial Day.

Nominations may be made online at allexteriorcontractors.com/roofs-4-heroes.

The person nominated must:

• Live in the greater Midway area: Garfield Ridge, Clearing, West Lawn, Scottsdale, Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Bedford Park, Archer Heights, Mount Greenwood or Summit.

• Be an honorably or medically discharged veteran, an active-duty military member or a first responder.

• Have ownership in a home (either on mortgage/insurance/deed.

Those making nominations must be relatives or friends of nominee and provide a copy of the nominee’s DD214, military or first responder ID.

Nominations must also include a photo of the roof in need of repair, as well as the approximate age of the roof.

Finally, nominations should include biographical information about the nominee and reasons why the nominee is a deserving hero.

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Crime News Update

April 19, 2019, 12:42 am
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *


Boys rob man at gunpoint
A 38-year-old Ashburn man was robbed at gunpoint as he stood in the driveway of his home in the 7700 block of South Trumbull at 9:06 p.m. Thursday, April 4. The victim told police that three teens pulled up in a gray Dodge, got out and approached him. One put a gun to the side of the victim’s neck, while the others demanded his wallet. The victim replied that his wallet was in his car. While he was held at gunpoint, the other two robbers rifled through his car, stealing his wallet, cellphone and house and car keys before fleeing in their vehicle. They were described only as black boys age 14-17, wearing back hoodies and baseball caps.



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Cut off, curbed, beaten and robbed
A 41-year-old West Lawn man was beaten and robbed on the street in the 7100 block of South Harding at about 1:50 a.m. Sunday, March 31. The victim told police he was driving his car when it was cut off and blocked by two men in a red sedan. All three men got out of their vehicles, and the victim was punched in the face by the two men. They took his house and car keys and sped away. The victim suffered cuts to his face, but reportedly refused medical assistance. The two attackers were described as Hispanic men about age 25, 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.







Woman says man trespassed in her home
William Richter


A 32-year-old Sleepy Hollow man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he allegedly entered his neighbor’s home in the 4400 block of South Keating and hollered at the homeowner, a 38-year-old woman.

William D. Richter III was apprehended by police in a nearby vacant lot. Police said that he resisted arrest, forcing them to taser him and use other emergency submission methods.

At least one officer was injured while trying to subdue Richter. Charges of aggravated battery and two counts of resisting arrest were added, police said.





Man charged with domestic battery
Kenneth Schoot



A 44-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly hit a 56-year-old woman at his home in the 4900 block of South Knox.

Kenneth Schoot was arrested at his home at 7:01 p.m. Saturday, March 30.

The alleged battery occurred earlier in the day, police said.

According to public records, Schoot was arrested at the same address in February and charged with domestic battery.



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Bust man on drug rap on Archer
Michael Williams



A 51-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, as well as one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, after he was arrested at 1:52 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.

Michael C. Williams, of the 5100 block of South Parkside, was apprehended on the street in the 6800 block of West Archer after officers on patrol “observed him in a verbal altercation with a female subject,” a CPD spokesman said. “A protective pat-down of Williams revealed a pocket knife and suspect narcotics.” Police would not elaborate on exactly what they found.





Laptop swiped from Hearst School
A burglar entered Hearst School, 4640 S. Lamon, and stole a laptop computer. Surveillance footage showed that the crime was committed at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday, April 3. The offender appeared to be a black man age 25-45, about 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, with black hair and a dark complexion. He wore a black skull cap with red writing on the front, a reflective yellow jacket with white stripes and dark blue pants.




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Ford City Drive apartment burglarized
Burglars entered a second floor apartment unit in the 4200 block of West Ford City Drive and stole a pair of roller skates, an iPad, an iPhone, a pair of Beats headphones, a pair of athletic shoes and a jacket. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 49-year-old Chicago Ridge man, at about 8 p.m. Thursday, April 4.





Clearing man busted on theft rap
Joseph Holubek



A 45-year-old Clearing man was charged with retail theft after he was arrested at his home in the 6100 block of South Parkside at 5:48 p.m. Friday, March 29.

Joseph Holubek allegedly stole merchandise worth about $90 from Family Dollar, 6190 S. Archer. Police did not indicate how they came to believe that Holubek stole the merchandise.

According to public records, Holubek has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2017, on charges that included domestic battery (four times), violating an order of protection and criminal trespass to land.




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Catalytic converters swiped from vehicles
Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Jeep Liberty parked on the street in the 6000 block of South Kildare. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 63-year-old man, at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3.
Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Hyundai Tucson parked on the street in the 4800 block of South Knox. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old woman, at 8:17 a.m. Tuesday, April 2.
Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Jeep Liberty parked on the street in the 6100 block of South Tripp. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old woman, at about 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 2.
Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a Dodge Nitro parked on the street in the 4200 block of West 63rd Street. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 43-year-old woman, at about 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 2.
        Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a car parked on the street in the 5400 block of South Sawyer. The crime was reported to police by the victim, a 61-year-old man, at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.



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Unlocked window is entry point for burglars
Burglars opened the unlocked window of a basement apartment in the 5000 block of South Tripp, entered and stole an iPad and a laptop computer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 38-year-old man, at about 11 p.m. Thursday, April 4.





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Online Registration for Park District Day Camp, Summer Programs Starts Soon

April 19, 2019, 7:28 pm
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The Chicago Park District’s online registration for its popular
summer day camp and park programs opens April 22 at 9 a.m.

This year, the summer day camp curriculum will celebrate the Chicago Park District's 85th anniversary and its commitment to enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities for children and families of all abilities and interests.

The Chicago Park District’s new camp theme ‘PLAY: Every Day, Every Way’  will enhance the summer day camp experience by engaging campers in inclusive activities and education programs, as well as weekly physical fitness routines that encourage campers to interact with one another.

“Building on our theme, the Chicago Park District is excited to invite Chicagoans of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to celebrate our 85th anniversary by playing and engaging in our parks citywide,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO. “The Chicago Park District offers a menu of camps and programs at parks throughout the city and ensures that we are able to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate in all our programs, from recreational to cultural.”


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The Chicago Park District experienced record numbers again in 2018 for program registration. Compared to 2012, park program enrollments increased by 47 percent. Since 2014, the Park District has surpassed 100,000 registrations in nine separate sessions. Last summer, the Park District recorded a four percent increase in enrollments in summer programs, and summer camps reached 99 percent of its capacity with over 50,000 enrollments.

Day camp will provide participants with the opportunity to participate in energetic team building and cooperative games, visual arts and writing activities, outdoor and environmental education, performing arts and imaginative play, and active games and fitness activities.

Online registration begins Monday, April 22, at 9 a.m. for parks located west of California Avenue, and on Tuesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. for parks located east of California.

In-person registration for summer programs will begin either Saturday, April 27 or Monday, April 29, depending upon the park.

Standard day camps, for ages 6 to 12 years old, run six weeks, from June 24-August 2, typically from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Play Camp offers options for children ages 3 to 5 years old, and Teen Camp for participants ages 13 to 15 year olds. Numerous specialty camps are also available, including Sports Camps. Late Summer Camps offer extended opportunities to engage in park activities from August 5 to 9 or 16; date varies by park. Early bird and extended options offer convenient hours to cover the full day (eight to ten hours, varies by park).

Gymnastics centers, one of the Park District’s most popular programs, will open online registration for the summer season on Tuesday, April 23, at 12 p.m. Summer program registration for McFetridge Sports Center & Morgan Park Sports Center opens Tuesday, May 28.

Fees vary depending on location, offerings and hours.  No child will be turned away for inability to pay.

Given the popularity of programs, patrons are encouraged to browse through the list of programs for 2019 and create wish lists in advance here.

Financial Assistance

The Chicago Park District has limited funds available to provide financial assistance for families who wish to enroll in the 2019 summer day camp program. Financial assistance and family discounts are available.  Financial assistance is only available to City of Chicago residents. Eligibility for financial assistance does not guarantee a slot for day camp and cannot be used in conjunction with any other reduced/voucher programs. Applicants that do not qualify for financial assistance may inquire about the payment plan option at their local park.

For more information on how to solicit the scholarship, please visit the day camp page.

The Chicago Park District aims to provide summer camp financial assistance to thousands of children each year, requiring more than $2 million. Tax-deductible gifts of any size may be made to the Summer Day Camp Assistance Fund to help support children and families across the city through this financial assistance program here.

NEW FOR 2019:

In order to facilitate patrons being able to receive the financial assistance discount (50%) at the time of summer online registration, financial assistance documentation is being accepted in-person at parks now.  Once completed and approved, the related registration (ActiveNet) account will be updated to include this financial assistance pre-requisite. When registering for summer camp, an account holder with the pre-requisite will automatically be charged 50% of the camp cost. 

If this step isn't completed prior to summer online registration, patrons still have the option to register for summer camp online by paying 100% at the time or registration and then presenting the documentation at the park to receive the 50% refund.

Family Discount

When patrons register for two or more programs for family members less than 18 years of age in one transaction, the order qualifies for a 10% discount on the less expensive program(s).

Discount is available for online and in-person orders, but cannot be combined with the CHA or DCFS discount programs.  All family members should be entered into one account on the Chicago Park District’s registration system.

Summer Food Service Program

In accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education’s Summer Food Service Program and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal regulations, the Chicago Park District will participate in the Summer Food Service Program in conjunction with summer day camp.  Lunches and/or snacks will be provided for enrolled children at most camps.

Meals are made available to all eligible participants without regard to race color, national origin, disability, sex or age.  Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write immediately to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202/720-5964 (voice and TTD).

For more information, contact your local park, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312-742-PLAY.



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Luau Bingo Coming Up at St. Sym's

April 24, 2019, 12:47 pm
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Our friends at St. Symphorosa Parish want everyone to know about their "Luau Bingo" set for Sunday May 19 at the Sharp Center, 5940 West 62nd Street.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Games begin at 1:30. Admission is $20 at the door and includes one set of game cards.

All are encouraged to wear Hawaiian-style clothing.

Polynesian-inspired food will be available.

Sounds like hauʻoli nui ("big fun") to us! See you there?



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Crime News Update

April 25, 2019, 11:38 am
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Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Slain execution-style on 61st Street
A 25-year-old man from suburban Dolton died after he was shot multiple times at about 10:10 p.m. Monday, April 15 as he sat in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the 3400 block of West 61st Street. Eugene Cooley, of the 700 block of East Sibley Boulevard, was shot in the throat, face, back and arms, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they had no witnesses to the crime. No one is in custody.



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Reputed gang member shot on 53rd Street
A 30-year-old man said by a law enforcement source to be a gang member was shot in the back and left leg as he sat in a vehicle in the 4400 block of West 53rd Street at 9:45 p.m. Friday, April 19. The shooter fired from a sedan, police said. The victim took himself to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. No one is in custody.



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Charge man with groping girl
Ivan Villegas


A 26-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he was arrested at his home in the 3800 block of West 58th Place at 12:24 a.m. Tuesday, April 16.

Ivan Villegas was apprehended without incident. The arrest came eight days after he allegedly grabbed a 16-year-old girl from behind, put his hand down her shirt and touched her inappropriately, police said.

The incident allegedly occurred in the 2400 block of West 36th Street at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 8. Police did not indicate what led them to believe that Villegas committed the crime or why the arrest came eight days later.

According to public records, Villegas was arrested in February of this year on the West Side and charged with solicitation of a sexual act.







Masked bandit robs Boost Mobile
A masked bandit robbed the Boost Mobile store at 5101 S. Cicero at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, making off with a bag full of cellphones and a gold chain belonging to a 28-year-old sales clerk. Employees told police that the robber walked in the store, pulled a pistol and said, “You know what time it is.” He then ordered the two employees into a rear stockroom and told them to fill a bag with cellphones. They did, and the bandit also ordered an employee to take off his gold chain and hand it over. The robber then ran into the alley behind the store and may have fled in a bronze Jeep Cherokee. He was described as a black man about 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion. He wore a black hoody and a black face mask, with dark pants.






Homeless man charged in drug rap outside Walgreens

Lee Turner


A 47-year-old homeless man was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested at 9:45 p.m. Friday, April 19, in the parking lot of the Walgreens at 7136 West Archer.

Lee Turner was apprehended without incident. Police responding to a 911 call about a man slumped over the wheel of a vehicle found Turner asleep in the vehicle. A CPD spokesman said that officers at the scene spotted a clear plastic bag with suspect heroin inside, in plain sight in the vehicle. A search of Turner yielded more heroin, police added.

According to public records, Turner has been arrested three times by CPD since 2017 on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and soliciting unlawful business.





Arrested for the 16th time in 15 months
Michael Jackson


A 19-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with domestic battery and violating an order of protection after he allegedly spat in the face of a 23-year-old woman at 5:56 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at the Aloha Motel, 8515 S. Cicero.

Michael Anthony Jackson, of the 6300 block of South Artesian, was apprehended without incident.

According to public records, Jackson has been arrested 16 times by CPD since January 2018 on charges that included loitering by a gang member, assault, criminal trespass to a residence, criminal trespass to real property, soliciting unlawful business and cannabis possession.





Back to prison for convicted felon
Luis Salgado



A convicted felon was charged with an “armed habitual criminal” offense after he was arrested by police at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at his home in the 5300 block of South Kolin.

Luis Salgado, 22, was apprehended by police executing a search warrant.

They added that they found a gun and cartridges at the home, and that Salgado had been wanted on a warrant relating to a parole violation.

According to public records, Salgado was convicted of armed robbery in 2015 and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released on parole in 2017.




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Burglar steals $15,000 in eyeglass frames
A burglar used a crowbar to smash the front-door glass of the Pearle Vision store at 5153 S. Pulaski, enter and stole about 150 pair of designer eyeglass frames said to be worth a total of $15,000. The crime was discovered by police responding to an alarm at about 3:45 a.m. Thursday, April 18. The store’s owner, a Downers Grove man, shared video surveillance footage with police. There was no description of the burglar.





Lawn mower, compressor taken from garage
Burglars broke into a garage in the 4400 block of South Lawler and stole a lawn mower and an air compressor. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 54-year-old woman, at about 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18.




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Gone only an hour, returns to find burglary
Burglars kicked in the back door of a home in the 5400 block of South New England and stole assorted jewelry, bank statements, a car title and a collection of silver dollars. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old woman, at 6:19 p.m. Thursday, April 18. The victim told police she had been out shopping and had only been gone from her house for about an hour.



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